Growing Older Is
Enhanced By Staying
On Your Feet If Possible
There are an estimated 27 million people in the United States above
the age of 65, and podiatrists know that their freedom to move about in
dependently is vital to both their physical and emotional health.
As a result, podiatrists are serving in hospitals and nursing homes all
over the country in order to keep these older Americans on their feet.
One in four nursing home patients cannot walk at all, and another one
sixth can walk only with assistance.
Older persons are a rapidly growing part of America's population,
and ministering to their foot health needs is growing in importance daily.
The human foot has been described as the mirror of health. The first
signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and circulatory
disorders often appear in the foot. In fact, there is a Chinese saying
which states that when you massage the foot, you massage the whole
body.
Look For Symptoms
Symptoms such as dry skin, brittle nails, numbness, and discol
oration should be evaluated by a professional. Unfortunately, many older
people are unaware of available professional footcare. Many also simply
resign themselves to enduring fool problems which could be treated if
brought to the attention of a podiatrist
Preventive foot care can increase comfort and perhaps limit the pos
sibility of additional medical problems. Whether at home or elsewhere,
good foot health offers enrichment to the lives of the aged.
Not only does preventive care reduce the chances of hospitalization,
but can often help in lessening the requirements for other institutional
care.
Amputation and other forms of surgery resulting from infections
have been significantly reduced in recent years because of early diagno
sis and treatment. Continued progress in ensuring that America's elderly
can stay on their feet can be expected. Podiatric medical services are al
so a covered Medicare benefit.
Attention to, and professional care of, the foot should include exer
cise and well-fitting hose that helps keep the feet dry. Inspect the feet
daily for redness, swelling, cracked skin or sores. When any of these
symptoms occur, be certain to consult a podiatrist
IN PODIATRIST'S OFFICE
Medicare Payments Available
For Medical And Surqical Services
Congress recognized the important relationship
between foot health and general health when it
included the services of podiatrists in the
Medicare legislation for senior citizens.
Doctors of pcxliatric medicine are of par
ticular importance to older people by help- t
ing them to remain active. Regular foot care I- '* ynrf
keeps iheir feet healthy with advancing
years when the skin and nails of the feet be- J
come dry and brittle. The American Pcxliatric f
Medical Association (APMA) says that J
numbness and discoloration may be signs ^
of serious conditions such as diabetes and
circulatory disease. ' "
Tlie association represents most of the
12.CXK) podiatrists in this country, who
have lour years of medical training plus
one 10 three years of postgraduate resi
dency work, and who received 48 million
patient visits last year.
APMA says that medical insurance un
der Medicare Part B covers most ser
vices for foot care of podiatrists and
other doctors. This covers
medical and surgical services
in the hospital, at a skilled
nursing facility, and in an of
fice or at home. Podiatrists certify
medical necessity for hospitalization,
skilled nursing care and home health care.
So-called "routine foot care" payments come under
Medicare insurance when it would be hazardous to the
patient's health if self-treatment were performed. Pre
diagnostic x-rays, laboratory tests, surgical treatments
and fracture care, are also covered.
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Moorj^gs
Nestled against the Intraeoastal Waterway, BentTree Plantation is an
established and private community... perfect for those who want to live at
the beach but not on the beach.
Recently, BentTree Plantation has opened The Moorings, a new section
containing spacious patio homes beginning at $89,000 with 2. 3 or 4
bedrooms. Each home includes a private courtyard and screened-in lanai,
Mediterranean architecture, skylights, garden tub and optional in-door
spa, entry tile, stucco exterior and steeply pitched roof. All these amenities
are blended together for a Village-By-The-Sea theme.
1-800-336-0111 (out of state) (919)754-5898 (in NC)
Sales office BentTree Plantation, Hwy. 179, Ocean Isle Beach. NC 28469
Foot Infections Covered
In addition, treatment for foot and ankle infections?
stemming from in-grown nails, boils, cysts, open
wounds, and other causes?generally qualify for Medi
care payments.
Certain foot care services are not covered.
These are routine foot care treatments such as
cutting or removal of corns or calluses, trim
and routine hygienic care under
most conditions. Also, treatment for flat-feet
or partial dislocations are not covered bv
Medicare insurance.
If sou seek a Medicare insurance
\ payment, new regulations rujuire thai
the podiatrist complete the Medicare
forms. If he or she accepts Medicare as
signments. the payments may be made
, directly. Or. if you desire, you can pay
i the doctor and be reimbursed by
Medicare. Specific instructions are in
cluded in "Your Medicare Handbook."
The fKxliatrist is the specialist re
sponsible for examination, diag
nosis, prevention and treat
ment of diseases, conditions,
and malfunctions affecting
the foot and its related or
governing structures, by
employment of medical, sur
gical, and oilier means.
Always consult a podiatrist when you have questions
about fool conditions or what is covered by Medicare.
Call loll free 1 -8(X)-FOOTCARE for more informa
tion about your feel from the American Podiauic
Medical Associauon.
A WATERWAY OF LIFE
?A quiet 120-acre community
along the Intracoastal Waterway
?Waterfront clubhouse
?Tennis courts, Jacuzzi,
swimming pool
?Private boat dock, ramp and
fishing pier
?Close to Wilmington, Myrtle
Beach and the area's 70-plus
golf courses
BentTree
PLANTATION
A WATERWAY COMMUNITY